I haven't been able to sleep at night mostly because the fan I use at night has the same subliminal whining tone the saws make, so I wake over and over thinking they are here already.

But this morning , feeling exhausted, I had to program a phone and called cousin Ellie to help me. I have all my Internet and phone services bundled through AT&T. I just hate Tracfones, so I had called AT&T and got "a deal" on a cell phone.  Yesterday UPS delivered the phone. This morning Ellie came and said the phone was just like hers--a Razor or something like that.

This cell phone takes photos and does everything imaginable. But I don't need a text messaging phone or a Blue Tooth or that crap. I just want a plain ole cell phone in case the landline goes down at the house; or tote in my purse if I have trouble on the road to call for help. So Ellie got the battery in and we went down the list of instructions in the booklet. I'm glad she was here. I was so tired I couldn't concentrate.

Then I called the number to have it activated and listened to the operator read the terms of agreement etc etc. Then I got the battery charged up and tried to make a call. Well, la de dah. Guess what. There is no cell phone tower service for AT&T where I live. No bars. No calls. We drove two miles before two bars showed up. Well, that's why I didn't like the Tracfone. I need a phone I can use at the house.

I called the activation lady again and explained in my rural area of Mississippi AT&T didn't work. She said return the phone to the store. Ellie and I drove 40 miles to Hattiesburg and canceled the whole deal. The guy who waited on me said Alltel and Cellular South work where I live. WHY didn't AT&T tell me that? Why didn't I have enough smarts to ask before I ordered the phone in the first place? Live and learn Sue.

Comments:

Good Grief! What a pain!

Boy, did I screw up -- the no. for Boost is 888-266-7848.

comment by tealstar on July 24, 2008 8:25 PM ()

Hi teal; I tried that number and a recorded message came on
saying "this toll free number is no longer in service." But
I'll try to find one of those Boosts at a store somewhere.
ou are sweet--thanks..

reply by susil on July 25, 2008 5:39 AM ()

comment by tealstar on July 24, 2008 4:28 AM ()

Hi teal--I wondered about that! I tried both combinations
without success. Phoned nearest Wallymart and they don't have
any in stock right now.The older I get, the more I am ready
to think of getting the h*ll out of these woods and closer
to civilization.

reply by susil on July 24, 2008 6:56 AM ()

comment by panthurdreams on July 23, 2008 2:09 PM ()

Hi Hawaii; The phone was so cute and all, and the fact that
it takes photos was fascinating--what technology! I woulda kept
if I could've mnade calls from the house.

reply by susil on July 24, 2008 7:00 AM ()

Also try Boost. Toll-free 1-800-888-266-7646. This is the cell choice for drug dealers nationwide. Ed and I bought 2 phones, had them activated at the store with the special opening offer of $30 of calls. After that buy more minutes every three months (minimum $20). Failure to buy on time means you lose your unused minutes. But if you spend the $20, you have it added on to your unused minutes. You buy a $20 or $30 or $50 card
at CVS, or renew on line. No contract. Let us know what you do.

comment by jondude on July 23, 2008 4:57 AM ()

Hi jon; thanks for that info--didn't know Verizon bought
Alltel--Three of my cousins have Alltel and like their
services. I might try them if I have to go the contract
route.

reply by susil on July 23, 2008 8:43 AM ()

comment by marta on July 23, 2008 3:25 AM ()

Hi marta, that's what I want--a phone I can make calls on.
Not all the bells and whistles. Plain and simple. If there's
a Virgin Mobile store anywhere near, might check them out.
Thanks for your comments.

reply by susil on July 23, 2008 8:49 AM ()